New York-Style Pizza with a Peruvian Twist

Ingredients

While the original New York-style pizza is known for its simplicity and classic toppings like pepperoni and mozzarella, our Peruvian-inspired version takes a departure by incorporating traditional Peruvian ingredients and flavors. Expect to find vibrant toppings such as aji amarillo sauce, rocoto peppers, and queso fresco, adding a spicy and tangy kick to the familiar pizza base. We alse have the original recipe for New York-Style Pizza, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (470ml) warm water 2 cups (470ml) warm water
• 1 tablespoon (15g) active dry yeast 1 tablespoon (15g) active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon (12g) sugar 1 tablespoon (12g) sugar
• 5 cups (625g) bread flour 5 cups (625g) bread flour
• 2 teaspoons (10g) salt 2 teaspoons (10g) salt
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 cup (250g) aji amarillo sauce 1 cup (250g) aji amarillo sauce
• 1 cup (150g) rocoto peppers, thinly sliced 1 cup (150g) rocoto peppers, thinly sliced
• 2 cups (200g) queso fresco, crumbled 2 cups (200g) queso fresco, crumbled
• 1 cup (150g) cooked chicken, shredded 1 cup (150g) cooked chicken, shredded
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 12g (6g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 65g (4g sugars)
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. 3.
   Mix the ingredients until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 230°C (450°F) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven to heat.
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Roll out each portion into a thin circle.
7. 7.
   Transfer the rolled dough onto a piece of parchment paper. Spread aji amarillo sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
8. 8.
   Top the sauce with rocoto peppers, queso fresco, and shredded chicken.
9. 9.
   Carefully transfer the pizza on the parchment paper onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
10. 10.
    Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
12. 12.
    Slice and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Aji Amarillo Sauce — If you can't find aji amarillo sauce, you can make your own by blending together yellow chili peppers, garlic, lime juice, and a touch of oil.
• Rocoto Peppers — Rocoto peppers are quite spicy, so adjust the amount according to your heat preference. If rocoto peppers are not available, substitute with jalapenos or other spicy peppers.
• Queso Fresco — Queso fresco is a mild and crumbly cheese. If you can't find it, you can substitute with feta cheese or a mild white cheese.

Tips & Tricks

• For a crispier crust, preheat the baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven before placing the pizza on it.
• Experiment with different Peruvian toppings such as sliced avocado, huacatay sauce, or marinated onions for added flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier pizza, drizzle some aji amarillo sauce on top before serving.
• To save time, you can use store-bought pizza dough instead of making it from scratch.
• Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Serving advice

Serve the Peruvian-inspired New York-style pizza hot, straight from the oven. Cut it into slices and enjoy it as a main course or share it as an appetizer during gatherings. Pair it with a refreshing Peruvian drink like chicha morada or a cold Cusqueña beer for a complete culinary experience.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some fresh cilantro leaves on top of the pizza before serving. The vibrant green color will add a pop of freshness to the golden crust and colorful toppings. Serve it on a wooden cutting board or a pizza stone to showcase the rustic charm of this fusion dish.